The N.C. Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is once again offering an organic cost-share program that reimburses growers for up to 50 percent of the cost for a farm to be USDA certified or recertified organic.
The funds are made available through the U.S. Department of Agriculture, with our department overseeing the program at the state level. A total of $105,800 is available and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
This is available for organic growers who are certified or recertified between Oct. 1, 2020 and Sept. 30, 2021.
Farms can be certified and reimbursed in four separate categories. Those are crops, livestock, wild crop and handler/processor. The maximum reimbursement is $500 per category.
I would encourage growers to apply as quickly as possible to ensure funds are available. The deadline to apply is Nov. 19.
Growers will need to fill out an application, provide detailed invoices/statements from the certifying agency listing all costs. Proof of payment will also be needed, plus a substitute W-9 form and a letter from your certifier.
Applications can be downloaded at www.ncdaorganic.org or growers can also apply through their local Farm Service Agency office.
Anyone with questions about the program can contact Heather Barnes, one of our marketing specialists, at 919-707-3127. That’s 919-707-3127.
You always ask if I have something to add … yes, everyone get vaccinated!